Cervical spondylosis, also known as neck arthritis or cervical osteoarthritis, is a degenerative disease that affects the cervical spine, which is made up of seven vertebrae in the neck. It is a common problem, especially in older people, and is one of the main causes of neck pain and stiffness. Cervical spondylosis is becoming a major health problem around the world as life expectancy rises and people become less active.
Comprehending Cervical Spondylosis
The main cause of cervical spondylosis is changes in the spinal discs and joints that happen as people get older. As time goes on, the discs in the cervical spine lose water, shrink, and become less flexible. This makes them less able to protect the vertebrae. This degeneration can cause bone spurs (osteophytes) to grow, the spinal canal to narrow (spinal stenosis), and in some cases, the spinal cord or nerve roots to be compressed.
Aging is the main risk factor, but other things that can cause neck problems are repetitive neck movements, past neck injuries, genetic predisposition, bad posture, and jobs that put a lot of stress on the neck for long periods of time. People who smoke, don’t move around much, or are overweight are also more likely to get cervical spondylosis.
Signs and Symptoms
The symptoms of cervical spondylosis can differ greatly from person to person. Most of the time, people don’t feel any pain. But when symptoms do happen, they usually include:
This is the most common symptom: neck pain and stiffness. Pain may get worse when you move around or when you keep your neck in one position for a long time.
Headaches: They often start in the neck area.
Radiating pain: If the nerve roots are damaged, the pain can spread to the shoulders, arms, and even fingers.
Numbness or weakness: When nerves are compressed, they may cause tingling, numbness, or weakness in the arms and hands.
Limited range of motion: The neck may feel stiff, which makes it hard to turn or move.
Loss of balance or coordination: In severe cases where the spinal cord is compressed, patients may have trouble with their balance or coordination.
Finding out what’s wrong
A detailed medical history and physical exam that looks at neck movement, muscle strength, reflexes, and changes in sensation are the first steps in making a diagnosis. Then, imaging tests are used to double-check the diagnosis and see how bad it is:
X-rays: To find bone spurs and spaces that are getting smaller between discs.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Shows detailed pictures of soft tissues like discs, the spinal cord, and nerves.
CT scan: Useful for looking at the bones in the cervical spine.
Electromyography (EMG) checks for nerve compression by measuring the electrical activity of muscles and nerves.
Choices for Treatment
How you treat cervical spondylosis depends on how bad the symptoms are and how much of the spine is involved. Most cases can be handled with non-invasive, conservative methods:
1. Drugs
Pain relievers: Acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are two types of over-the-counter drugs that can help with pain and swelling.
Muscle relaxants: A doctor may give these to help with muscle spasms.
Corticosteroids: You can take steroids by mouth or get them through an injection for severe pain or nerve inflammation.
2. Therapy for the body
Most patients need a structured physical therapy program. Physical therapists show people how to do exercises that strengthen the muscles in their neck and shoulders, make them more flexible, and fix their posture. Traction and other treatments may also help with symptoms.
3. Changes to Your Lifestyle
Ergonomics: Changing the way you work, using chairs that support your back, and not bending your neck for long periods of time can help keep your symptoms from getting worse.
Exercise: Doing low-impact activities like swimming or walking on a regular basis can help keep your spine healthy.
Weight management: Keeping a healthy weight takes stress off the cervical spine.
4. Surgery
If conservative treatments don’t work or if there are signs of spinal cord compression, worsening neurological problems, or pain that won’t go away, surgery may be an option. Surgery can help relieve pressure on nerves or the spinal cord by removing bone spurs, herniated discs, or parts of vertebrae.
Prognosis and Prevention
Most people with cervical spondylosis can live normal, active lives with the right care. Severe complications are uncommon but may encompass chronic pain or substantial neurological deficits if the spinal cord is affected.
Preventive measures emphasize the importance of maintaining proper neck alignment, engaging in regular physical activity, steering clear of repetitive neck strain, and promptly obtaining medical care for neck injuries. Early intervention can slow the disease’s progress and lower the risk of complications.
Conclusion
Cervical spondylosis is a common condition that happens with age and can greatly lower quality of life if not treated properly. Most people can now manage their symptoms and live a healthy life thanks to better medical care and more awareness. If you have neck pain, numbness, or weakness that doesn’t go away, you should see a doctor right away to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
